What CFOs should fix before scaling AI in finance

Many finance organizations are exploring how to scale AI, but readiness remains uneven across teams and processes.  In this episode of the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast, host Myles Corson speaks with Mike Whitmire, CEO and co-founder of FloQast, about what CFOs need to get right before scaling AI in finance.  Drawing on his experience working with thousands of finance teams and building FloQast's accounting workflow platform, Mike explains why visibility into workflows, structured processes and reliable data remain essential for effective AI adoption. The conversation also highlights how AI adoption varies widely across finance functions, with different levels of maturity requiring tailored approaches based on scale, complexity and growth plans.  Mike also discusses the importance of governance, audit readiness and operating discipline, outlining how CFOs can align people, process and technology to scale AI in a structured way and deliver measurable value.  Follow the EY Better Finance: CFO Insights podcast for more conversations with global CFOs and finance leaders. Find out more on ey.com/betterfinance.  Key takeaways:  Challenge assumptions about AI by focusing on what finance teams need to trust and adopt it, not what technology promises.  Tailor AI approaches to the scale, complexity and maturity of the finance function, rather than applying a single model.  Redefine the role of finance teams, with greater emphasis on judgement, review and providing confidence in outputs.   © 2026 Ernst & Young Global Limited